It’s hard to miss the chalk art, the pop-up booths in the stadium, or the butterfly-filled Instagram posts about Morgan’s Message at Madison. Morgan’s Message (MM) is a worldwide organization that focuses on mental health awareness for student-athletes, with chapters at high schools and college campuses. Aubrey Counts (’25) and Claire Casto (’25) are the James Madison chapter presidents.

MM is much more than chalk art and butterflies. According to the nonprofit’s website, its mission is “to amplify stories, resources, and expertise to strengthen student-athletes through mental health cognizance.” The MM organization prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse group, welcoming ambassadors from all walks of life.

Morgan’s Message was founded in memory of Morgan Rodgers, a beloved and talented lacrosse player from Warrenton, Virginia. She played at Kettle Run High School and dreamed of going to Duke University to pursue her lacrosse ambitions. She proudly accepted a D1 offer to Duke during her senior year in the fall of 2014. She was described as “eager and well-equipped for a successful college experience.” By January of 2017, Morgan was gearing up for her sophomore season at Duke, when tragedy struck. Morgan suffered a debilitating knee injury that would result in her lacrosse career coming to a devastating end and prompted a long road to recovery.

Morgan’s injury had a massive effect on her mental health. She dealt with immense amounts of anxiety and depression and internalized many of her struggles. Facing the challenge of keeping up with the expectations of her team, she felt isolated. Morgan sadly died due to suicide on July 11, 2022. She was only 22 years old. After her passing, Morgan’s mother, Dona Rodgers decided to found Morgan’s Message.

Although starting in Prince William County, just west of Fairfax County, Morgan’s Message reaches a large audience internationally. Currently, there are around 5,000 student ambassadors at 1,640 high schools and colleges across 46 US States, Germany, Canada, and England.

Here at Madison, Morgan’s Message holds dedication games, club meetings, and creates a safe space aiming to end the stigma around student-athlete mental health.

“MM wants to raise awareness of student athletes’ mental health by promoting and bringing light to mental health,” Casey Pendry (‘26) said. “They also create a safe space for student-athletes to talk about their struggles.”

According to a study done by the NCAA, more than half of both male and female student-athletes struggle with mental health. This impacts athletes practicing routines, interactions with coaches, and overall playing abilities. Students have also reported a lack of resources at high schools and colleges to assist with mental health struggles. With an organization like Morgan’s Message, Madison players are fortunate to have a group of peers to turn to, on and off the field.